Hey all, I'm building a tool for industrial designers like you to render your designers without complex scene, material and lighting setup like KeyShot. If anyone is interested in beta testing the tool for free, please send me an DM or email me at steven.ynie@gmail.com. You will need an iOS device to test it. Here are the renderings I created within few mins:

https://preview.redd.it/rlz709brqgnd1.png?width=1802&format=png&auto=webp&s=32024b150b8bfe44318e1e334eaffe0ec15feaa6

https://preview.redd.it/kep44k9wqgnd1.png?width=1870&format=png&auto=webp&s=f9c22688b8dcba86fe1a76528eb50db90c28b281

https://preview.redd.it/c7ge9521rgnd1.png?width=1966&format=png&auto=webp&s=4e2ecd889c28293ca6c6220c99ccc7888aeba350

W przypadku wycinania blach i profili na laserze niezwykle ważna jest wspólna cecha wszystkich detali - prostopadłość powierzchni.

Najnowsza aktualizacja Autodesk Inventor 2025.1 wprowadza nowość, która pomaga znacznie usprawnić ten proces - szablon operacji (wstępne ustawienia).

Korzystając z szablonu możemy zautomatyzować cały proces, a do zalet takiego rozwiązania zalicza się a) krótszy czas modelowania b) parametryzacja c) mniejsza podatność na błędy.

W tym samouczku pokażę Ci, jak przygotować taki szablon, aby był uniwersalny i działał bez względu na parametry konkretnego modelu.

https://youtu.be/yo8CiNfEXCs?feature=shared

As the title goes. I have a couple of projects I've done in the past; one for a previous job where I created an application specific flightcase with various integrated electronics and made a lamp at home out of wood, vinyl wrap, and custom made LED lighting with smart capability. Beyond that, I've not got much else that immediately comes to mind. They asked we include failures or more personal "weird" arty projects. What would you include? 500 word opening statement, 6 images, 50 words to describe each image.

I'm working full-time remotely as an in-house ID for a company. The job is a bit boring and time-demanding, but I do get above-average pay for it. Aside from that, I've been moonlighting for another small company, which doesn't pay me that well, but I get to do fun ID tasks that I enjoy, like 3D rendering and animation. If you add in other personal tasks that are not work-related, I pretty much have no time left to work on my portfolio and social media. I feel this hinders me from getting bigger opportunities. I envy other designers who seem to have a lot of followers and clients because their websites look cool, but then I can't help but sometimes think that I'm way more skilled than they are. It's just that I don't really have time to update my portfolio, website, and social media accounts. How the hell do some of you have such nice Behance or Instagram profiles despite looking so busy with clients? How do you find the time?

I’m a chronic worrier so I have a good few questions to ask! Forgive me if they’re a little juvenile but I want a clearer train of thought while I head into this degree and I don’t have much access to people within the field to talk about the realities.

NETWORKING:

1. I’m assuming that many of the new graduates that are currently struggling had internships and were able to network while in school yet everyone seems to still be having trouble finding jobs. I understand that market is very tough and so breaking in is really difficult but does forming these relationships not help at all when it comes to breaking in/job hunting? 
2. To what extent does it mean to “network”? To me as a student it‘s firmly connecting yourself with your professors and those who you meet through internships and forming mentor/mentee relationships along with actively maintaining them. All easier said than done of course.
3. If what I described as “networking” is what’s commonplace then why is networking still the most common piece of advice towards those struggling?

CAREER:

1. To both newer graduates and experienced designers have you ever seen yourself shifting gears in your career because of how difficult it is to find a job? What was your experience there?
2. This is one of my biggest questions! Aimed towards experienced designers who have ever felt/are feeling frustrated with finding a job, is it passion that keeps you from moving to a different career or does the degree have more limitations than I thought and not allow you to change? 
3. With the output of designers being more than the jobs that are available what did to those of you who were unable to find a position do as a job?
4. Can you pivot to other careers in practice and not just empty promises made by institutions? One of the reasons I was interested in this field was because of the versatility it seemed to offer such as careers in marketing, research, management, analytics, etc but I worry that this may not be accurate. I plan on giving ID my all but I want the assurance of having a degree that will support other careers because of the nature of the job market in this field.

OVERALL:

Is this really a hopeless field?

*Edited some questions!

Pretty much title

I’m considering changing the focus of my career towards another degree but I still have interest in industrial design and want to pursue the minor instead of the master’s- is there a point to this? Could I ever do anything with it?

hi! i want to do a bachelor of mechanical engineering/masters of mechanical engineering but the only design qualification i can take is a minor in design. would this be enough for me to possibly get a career in product design engineering/industrial engineering or something along those lines? or would i be better off doing a design related masters, or a dual of engineering with industrial design. i would much rather do the first option though because it is the university i want to attend and it is an accelerated program so i can get a bachelor and masters within 5 years, but please any advice would be appreciated!!

I’m working on an exciting project to explore how spatial computing can elevate the creative process. My goal is to enable creative individuals to deeply immerse themselves in information, inspiration, and collaborative creation by leveraging the power of spatial computing. Whether you’re a designer, artist, developer, or anyone who loves to create, your input can shape the future of this tool!

Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey—your feedback is valuable.

Survey Link - https://universityofhouston.iad1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ylAm6yOQTeMyyy

How do you find the insights you need for a compelling problem statement?

Is it born out of research? Is it a comment from family/friends on an existing product? Where do you start?

I’m in my senior year right now and my entire class is prepping for a housewares competition, and I want a really solid reason for my project to exist!

Hello, Reddit community! I’m Maeve, and I’m currently working as an Industrial Designer. I graduated from Virginia Tech’s ID program in 2022. I have been working for a company that makes custom acoustical product for corporate interiors focusing on mainly product design in AutoCAD and product visualization using Fusion 360 and KeyShot. I also did 2.5 years worth on internship doing 2D texturing in illustrator and some basic modeling in Maya for a gov. contractor making VR sims for the Navy. I’m now considering a career pivot into UX/UI design because the earning potential and opportunity for fully remote work that I see in the market currently just is not that great. I feel like I basically have two options… build on my current skill set and become a master at rendering— go the architectural rendering route or gaming route or break into UX/UI with a small foundation from ID school. Would love to hear your thoughts and advice on the best path forward.

Background:

•	Current Role: Industrial Designer with experience in product visualization and rendering.
•	Skills: Proficient in AutoCAD Fusion 360 and KeyShot; have a solid portfolio of product designs.
•	Interests: Keen on exploring UX/UI design due to a growing interest in user experience and interface design.

Current Challenges:

1.	Experience Requirements: Many entry-level UX/UI positions require 1-2 years of digital design experience. Given my background, how can I best position myself for these roles?

2.	Education Options: I’ve looked into various educational paths, including bootcamps and certifications. What’s the best way to gain relevant skills and make a compelling case for potential employers? Do I need to do this or could I just self learn figma and make a new portfolio…

3.	Free Templates and Portfolios: Is it acceptable to start a project with a free online template if I significantly customize it? How should I present this in my portfolio?

4.	Remote Work: I’m also interested in roles that offer remote work and flexibility, especially since I enjoy traveling. Which field—UX/UI design or product visualization —offers better opportunities for remote work?

Specific Questions:

1.	Portfolio Building: If I learn tools like Figma and Adobe XD, would creating portfolio projects from online prompts be sufficient, or should I invest in a bootcamp or certification?

2.	Job Market Trends: Based on current trends, would it be more beneficial to focus on product visualization or pivot to UX/UI design? How do the earning potentials and remote work opportunities compare?

3.	Learning Path: Given my current skill set and the fact that I struggled with asynchronous learning in the Google cert program (never finished), would a bootcamp with hands-on instruction be a better fit?

What I’m Looking For:

•	**Advice on building a strong UX/UI portfolio and gaining relevant experience.
•	**Suggestions for affordable and reputable bootcamps or certification programs.
•	**Insights into the job market for both UX/UI design and product visualization/remdering, especially regarding remote work opportunities.

Aiming to make 100k at some point.

Keep going down the Industrial Design/3D path I’m on or make the UX/Ui switch now while I’m young??

Thanks in advance for your help and insights! I’m excited about this potential career transition and eager to learn from your experiences and recommendations.

Hello, I'm working on a project and it's main objective is to be able to take any 3D model file and give it to the application and it spits out a 2D pattern that could be cut and folded back into the 3D model in real life. I've found tools like pepakura that does the 3D to 2D pattern aspect of the project but it's my understanding that in order for this program to be effective you'd need to give it a low poly 3D model.

So my question is how would I go about simplifying more complex 3D models so they can be ready for a 2D pattern.

Which do you think looks better -- a plastic housing with simpler tooling that results in 3 degrees of draft on the sides of the enclosure or more complex tooling with slides that would allow for zero draft but would result in witness lines on the corners?

I design a lot of CE products with injection molded plastic enclosures. For a product family I worked on recently, engineering pushed us towards the simpler tooling design. Initially the supplier wanted 1.5 degrees of draft which looked okay but eventually that had to increase to 3 degrees which I think makes the entire product family look cheap. The side walls on some of the products are fairly tall.

Hey guys I’m currently building a pet feeder for a crate, it has to give out a certain portions at time intervals but it cannot have any electronics fully mechanical Can anyone help what I could use..?

The company I’ve been at for the last 2 years is a small company with 150-250 employees. My title has been industrial designer and I have been the only designer since starting. The work I’ve been doing since they’ve hired me has been that of a senior and lead designer.

I want a title change on par with the level of work I’ve been doing. However, I’m not sure which to ask for when I go to negotiate my title. I don’t want other prospective employers to say, “why does your title say lead designer after only 2 or 3 years.”

On the other hand, I really am doing a lead designer’s work but I’ve yet to have the opportunity to lead a team of ID’s. However, I do lead in other ways.

What should I do in this situation? Could you articulate your reasoning other than just yes or no?

Edit: yes I know what the Dunning Kruger effect is.

Hi all, I'm curious to see how many of you come from an Engineering background and found a way to get into Industrial Design. I'm a Mechanical Engineering student and would like to hear your perspective on how you managed to make the transition.

Hey gang. Long time lurker. First time poster.

I’m struggling to not get super deflated. Nearly 6 years in the industry, a few short stints at design consultancy's. Most of my time has been in big corporate. To preface I studied ID to do ‘cool design’. In reality, most of the consulting gigs I’ve done have largely been a bait and switch. Where I was told I’d be designing things, only to get there and find they need a CAD jockey to execute whatever poorly thought out billable project they had. Any voices on ‘how to do it better’ were quickly crushed. While corporate is dull, methodical where we never do anything new. But follow the market leader.

I’ve kinda been caught in this trap for a while now. Especially after finding out that many of the local ‘emerging talent’ are either struggling or have had their parents support & boost their careers (an option I don’t have). I constantly get students asking me ‘how to get a job’ and I don’t really have any good advice to give them. Throw in cost of living, delaying adult life goals thanks to wage stagnation…

TLDR: is anyone out there doing the ‘cool design job’ we were sold? And any advice how to get there?

Cheers

Anon

Love me some grasshopper. Enjoy

Does anyone have any best practices tips for taking models between Solidworks and Blender?

I actually do this regularly to build models at scale in Solidworks and add aesthetic tweaks in blender, however my process usually ends in Blender and then I move onto 3D printing. Right now I'm designing for CNC and I'd like to resolidify my model in Solidworks so I can export a drawing for quality reference. However, taking my blender file ( often STL ) to Solidworks results in a highly complex solid body that is both heavy and impossible to look at.

Suggestions?

Hiya, I’m a product design student on my placement year, working with digital products pertaining to UI and AI. Which seems well placed in today’s economy.

Looking at the current job market, there seems to be a fair abundance of high-paying jobs in this field, definitely when compared to industrial design such as working at a design consultancy. (In the UK at least)

Has anyone gone through this switch, and would perhaps recommend any pros and cons of making such a career move.

Did a one point perspective sketch of a keyboard concept. Any critiques are appreciated!

Hello all, I am in the process of launching a furniture design project in my own name, at the moment I’m at the step of demarching many manufacturers to find one to work and collaborate with for my future projects on a long term. The problem is the same that is often met in all design fields; when showing a design to manufacturers, or big companies, for them to study if the realisation is in their capacities or if they are interested to collaborate with me, there will always be a risk of the design being stolen. I wanted to know about the different ways you know of to prevent this to happen.

Talented freelance designer needed to help design premium cordless tools with an aesthetic that differentiates them from what's currently on the market. Willing to negotiate hourly pay and a relaxed timetable!

Hey team! I am developing a drink fountain atm for outdoor spaces (parks etc). I need to do a structural stress test on the frame to ease some minds and help advance into a prototype. It’s a solidworks multi body part and my company dosent have the add on to test within solidworks. Wanted to know what tools or resources you all use to do these tests? The main aim is to see how much weight it will support / where it may break.

if not, then which specific industry are you working in ?

View Poll